The word "djellaba" comes from the Arabic word "jilbab," which means "cloak."
The djellaba is a long, loose-fitting robe with long sleeves and a hood. It is typically made of wool or cotton, and is often embroidered with geometric patterns or traditional motifs. The djellaba is a popular garment for everyday wear in Morocco, and is also worn for special occasions such as weddings and religious festivals.
The garment is believed to have originated in the Berber cultures of North Africa, and to have spread to other parts of the region, including Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The djellaba was originally worn by both men and women, but it is now more commonly worn by men.
The djellaba is well-suited to the climate of Morocco. It is loose-fitting and comfortable to wear, and it can be worn in both hot and cold weather. The djellaba is also a modest garment that covers the body from head to toe, which is important to many Muslims.
The djellaba is a symbol of Moroccan culture and identity. It has been worn by Moroccans for centuries, and it continues to be a popular choice of clothing today.
The Sahara desert is the third largest desert in the world. The two largest deserts may surprise you, because most people don't think of them as deserts. They are Antarctica and the Arctic.
The name "Sahara" comes from the Arabic word for desert, "ṣaḥra." The Sahara is vast, covering the majority of North Africa. It is comparable in size to the entire continental United States or China.
Even more surprising is that the Sahara was not always desert. In fact, it alternates between desert and savanna grassland every 41,000 years or so. This is due to changes in the Earth's axis (between 22 and 24.5 degrees) which occur over these spans of time.
We will not see it green and lush in our lifetimes, unfortunately. It is next expected to become green in about 15,000 years. If you visit today, you might see sand, endless sand.
These areas of desert are called "ergs" or "sand seas" - broad, flat areas of desert covered with wind-swept sand with little or no vegetative cover. Approximately 85% of all the Earth's mobile sand is found in ergs. Interestingly, ergs are also found elsewhere in our universe, such as on Venus, Mars, and Saturn's moon Titan.
Many of the sand dunes found in the Sahara are over 180 meters (590 ft) high. These dunes, in an area of the Sahara called "Erg Chebbi" in Southeastern Morocco, reach heights of 150 meters (nearly 500ft)!
Aït Benhaddou is a fortified village located on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The village, which is made up of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is considered to be a prime example of southern Moroccan architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Aït Benhaddou dates back to the 17th century when it served as an important stop for traders traveling across the Sahara Desert. The village was strategically located at the crossroads of several major trade routes, and its fortified walls provided protection from bandits and raiders.
Over the centuries, Aït Benhaddou became a hub for cultural exchange, and its architecture reflects the influence of various civilizations and cultures, including the Berbers, Arabs, and Sub-Saharan Africans. The village's buildings are constructed using traditional building techniques and local materials, including mud, straw, and wood.
In recent years, Aït Benhaddou has become a popular destination for filmmakers looking for unique, exotic locations. The village's distinctive architecture and stunning natural setting have made it a popular choice for filmmakers, and it has been featured in a number of films and TV shows, including:
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
The Jewel of the Nile (1985)
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Gladiator (2000)
Game of Thrones (2011)
The date palm was also highly valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Dates are an excellent source of energy, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a staple food for many people in the Middle East and North Africa. Dates were often used as a portable source of sustenance for travelers and warriors, and they were also used to treat a variety of ailments, including constipation, fever, and respiratory problems.
Over time, the cultivation and use of date palms spread throughout the Middle East and into North Africa and Spain. Today, dates are grown in many parts of the world, including the United States, Mexico, and Australia, but the majority of the world's dates still come from the Middle East and North Africa.
In addition to their nutritional value, date palms have played an important cultural and religious role throughout history. Dates are mentioned in many religious texts, including the Bible and the Quran, and they are often associated with important religious holidays and ceremonies. In many cultures, the date palm is also considered a symbol of hospitality and generosity, and it is often offered as a gift to guests and visitors.
